Spider-Man: Edge of Time

Game review by Marc Saltzman, Common Sense Media
Spider-Man: Edge of Time Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Fight as two different web-slingers in time-travel romp.

Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS 2011
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Parents say

age 8+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 7 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know SPIDER-MAN: EDGE OF TIME was designed with teens and adults in mind, as it focuses heavily on combat. Both Spider-Man characters each have their own unique skills but usually involve punching and kicking enemies and using web-based weapons range attacks, too. Enemies fall but don't bleed. It's not out of context for a comic book-inspired game, but it's something parents should be aware of. There is also some suggestive dialogue, revealing female outfits, and mild profanity.

Community Reviews

SpidermanFan1993
SpidermanFan1993 Adult
June 15, 2013
age 8+

Great Game - 3DS Review

This is one of the best spider-man games that I have ever played. It has a great storyline that just sucks you in from the moment you start playing. However, the version for the 3DS can get repetitive at times in having you to defeat all the enemies before you can get to the next room. Their is some mild language in this game but it is not frequently used. One area of concern for parents wanting to buy the 3DS version of this game for kids is that the Black Cat is very immodestly dressed and is offensive to some people. I know it is for me. However, the black cat is only in two seens and does not have that much of a role in the game. It is also important to note that Peter Parker is dating Mary Jane in this game and he tries to kiss Black Cat after you beat her the second time she appears. Overall, this is a great game that is worth buying for the 3DS.

This title has:

Great role models
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
See all 1 parent review

What’s It About?

In Activision's latest Marvel adventure -- SPIDER-MAN: EDGE OF TIME –- gamers can assume the role of not one but two different web-slingers: the Amazing Spider-Man of today and Spider-Man 2099 of the future. Both Spideys need to work together -- across two different parallel universes -- to save each other from a mysterious villain capable of traveling back through time in order to change the future. Penned by acclaimed Marvel writer Peter David (co-creator of Spider-Man 2099), these two distinct timelines have a \"cause and effect\" impact as your actions today might trigger an event for Spider-Man in the future -- and the immediate effects can be seen via a picture-in-picture view. Each Spider-Man has his own unique abilities and fighting styles; the acrobatic Amazing Spider-Man enjoys a new \"hyper sense\" mode, for example, while the technologically-enhanced Spider-Man 2099 has an \"accelerated decoy\" capability to fool enemies.

Is It Any Good?

While Spider-Man: Edge of Time presents an interesting concept about time travel, the execution is just so-so. This single-player game has a few exciting moments and enjoys high-quality production (including sharp graphics and solid voice-acting), but the story is convoluted, environments are bland, and most enemies don't pose much of a challenge. Sure, the controls are responsive while engaging in combat against thugs, cyborgs, and mutant baddies, and the repertoire of moves between both Spideys adds some variety, but once you play for an hour or two the action grows repetitive. Plus, there aren't that many boss battles to look forward to either. For an 8- to 10-hour campaign -- with little incentive to play again and no multiplayer support –- it's hard to recommend this game as $60 purchase. Instead, Spider-Man fans should rent it for a couple of bucks over a weekend. A better gaming pick is last year's Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions.

Note: The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions are the same, while the Nintendo Wii game has a different control scheme and doesn't offer HD graphics.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether video game violence is more acceptable when it's good fighting against evil, rather than having the ability to hurt or kill innocent civilians. Does it matter?

  • This game is based on a comic book universe that has a lot of fantasy violence. How would you respond if the game had no violence?

Game Details

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love superheroes

Themes & Topics

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